"This Ain't No Tribute" Series, released in 2002 by Compendia Music, is a great way to introduce those who may not be willing to give blues music a chance. CD's focusing on Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton, Janis Joplin, and Bob Dylan are part of this first series (will more follow? hopefully!). You can also pick up a sampler entitled "All Blues'd Up" which takes 3 tracks from each CD and gives the listener a nice 'background' of what the other titles offer. However, in my opinion, this sampler is a waste of money, because once you hear the tunes, you'll be craving the full discs, thus paying for some of the same material twice! No extra songs are included on the sampler. So, I would highly suggest saving up and buying each CD individually, or purchase the boxed set (pictured above) which was released by the House Of Blues. Below are some highlighs form each CD.

ROLLING STONES:

This journey begins with a stirring rendition of "You Can't Always Get What You Want" by Luther Allison. This groove-filled re-make that holds some of the original cut's spirit, but brings the song in a new direction with a more guitar focused melody. The next track I will fully admit I met with some hesitation. "(I Can't Get No) Satisfaction" by Junior Wells was interesting because, most wouldn't know this track WAS a remake until the vocals came in, and even then you'd be questioning if you mind was just playing tricks on you! But It's not, it's just part of the beauty that is "This Ain't No Tribute." The title is quite honest because it really isn't! Another noteworthy track was Lucky Peterson's take on "Under My Thumb," one of my personal favorites on the disc.

ERIC CLAPTON:

Clapton, who has had his hands dipped in the blues since the beginning of his carrer, opens the doors to some of the sets most cherishable tracks. "Wonderful Tonight" by Otis Clay (who shows up quite alot on the set) vamps into a more 'rockin' version of the timeless ballad, with much success. "Strange Brew" by Buddy Guy is quite simply a 'by the book' cover by one of blues greatest. And where would a Clapton tribute be without "Layla" (Covered by Eric Gales with Derek Trucks). This stirring rendition of one the worlds most played air-guitar riffs, is also quite similar to the original, however is slightly edgier with a crunchier guitar sound (more of Truck's staple).

JANIS JOPLIN:

All I have to say is: "Ball And Chain" is coverd by Etta James! Sometimes nothing more needs to be said! However, I will. On this CD you also get to hear "Piece Of My Heart" remade by Otis Clay. Here we have a 'male' take on a Joplin song, although musically it says true to the original, Clay has is own unique vocal style that makes this track stand out from the bunch. I have discussed before the injustice of bands taking on 'classic hits' and ruining them. Luckily, there is no need to worry here! Later in the disc Joplin fans are treated to "Me And Bobby MeGee" by Syl Johnson. This upbeat swinging version of MeGee is another highlight of the CD (yet again by a male vocalist -- which is always a nice change -- compared vice versa, by example, when Susan Tedeshi joined Double Trouble for a cover of Led Zeppelin's "Rock and Roll"). The addition of a church organ and a horn section, bring a welcomed change from the original.

LED ZEPPELIN:

This disc features, in 3 different occaions, the same song in '2 parts' -- or two different takes on the song. The best example of this is "Custard Pie" -- which starts off with a raw, acoustic outting by Eric Gales, follwed up by a "Revisted" rocked up slugfest, again with Gales (only this time joined by Matt Tutor and Derek Trucks). Another 'air guitar classic' shows up in the form of "Heartbreaker" by Alvin "Youngblood" Hart. This rendition caught me by surprise, because Hart REALLY took the song on a different path, going as far as altering the main riff then placing it over a hip-hop influenced beat. This is obviously different from the original, and although some hardcore Zeppelin fans may not appreciate it, I for one, was impressed by the creativity involved in taking the song in such an obscure direction. Also along the obscure path, is the ENTIRE SETS most creative interpretation, "Rock N' Roll" by Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. Starting off with a slow horn section, it makes you wonder if you are on the right track. Then the song kicks in with a 50's groove backing him up. Here, Brown brings "Rock N' Roll" back to it's roots of Rock and Roll! Make sense? I hope so! Now, my ONLY complaint on this CD personally is the OMISSION of "Stairway To Heaven." Now SLOW DOWN! I know people say covering "Stairway" is a rock and roll sin, however I felt after hearing this whole CD, it may be quite fitting. Possibly an instrumental blues take on the song? Am I overstepping my musical boundries here? Listen to the disc, and then tell me!

BOB DYLAN:

Rounding out the set is one of Classic Rocks most influential artists, Bob Dyaln. Now, some common complaints are that people love Dylan's music, but can't get passed the singing. Fear not! This compilation has not one Dylan "impersonator". These are ALL refreshing takes on Dylan classics! Most notable on the CD is "All Along The Watchtower," by Larry McCray. This rocker, which has already been attempted by the likes of U2 and Neil Young, and made timeless by Jimi Hendrix, was now given a facelift from McCray. His guitar work is flawless over the more, I hesitate to say, 'danceable' beat. This is this disc's stand alone track, however, tracks by Issac Hayes ("Lay Lady Lay"), James Solberg ("Ballad Of A Thin Man"), and a solid take on "One To Many Mornings" by The Band round out this disc.

Overall this is a fine box set! If I was to sit here and compare each and every track, I'd leave nothing for you to discover on your own (and I'd be writing until 2007!). You certainly get a LOT of worthy music for your dollar!

In closing, if you are a blues fan looking for some new tuneage, or if you are classic rock fan looking to bring back some nostaliga (with a twist I must remind you!), this is DEFINATLY the series for you! Also, this is just the set for introducing someone to the beauty that is the blues!

-- Brian Cohen ("Are You Blues" Founder)

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